Final answer:
A database in biology, exemplified by NCBI's GenBank, is an annotated collection of genetic sequences that enables researchers to store, compare, and analyze DNA and protein sequences globally. The accessibility and expansion of sequencing technologies have dramatically increased the data within these databases, which are invaluable research tools.
Step-by-step explanation:
A database in the context of genomics and molecular biology is a large collection of annotated files, specifically DNA sequences, which are stored and accessed through platforms like the National Center for Biotechnology Information's (NCBI) GenBank. The NCBI database is a crucial resource for researchers around the globe, cataloging DNA sequences from various organisms. With advancements in technology, such as portable DNA sequencers, the accessibility and ease of sequencing have increased, resulting in a rapid expansion of available data.
Tools like BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) are employed to compare different DNA or protein sequences by performing either global or local alignments. This facilitates the identification of similarities and differences among sequences, aiding in tasks such as genome annotation, understanding evolutionary relationships, or identifying unknown sequences. GenBank plays a vital role in these comparisons by providing a comprehensive repository of sequenced data that is free for public use and is integral for advancing research in genomics.
Molecular databases like GenBank not only enable researchers to store and compare sequences but also assist in various analyses through sequence alignment. These databases support scientific advancement by sharing genetic information among the scientific community, thus contributing to the collective knowledge and understanding of genetic information across different species.